So i’m out driving my car this weekend and while driving I blew off a coupling on the charge pipe. So I put the couple back on and figured while I was at it, let me throw it on a lift and check all other hoses, lines, wires etc… For whatever ungodly reason I decided to pull the plugs and check those also, interestingly enough I found in my 5th cylinder some oil. Not much but probably about the amount of a screw on top of a soda bottle.

So I did a little searching and have come to the conclusion that it’s the valve cover gasket on the passenger side that needs replacing. My question is this, is this something that a number of guys have experienced either N/A or FI, and two how big of a deal is it to the rest of the motor. I’m only burning up about ½ a court per every oil change. My A/F and boost are all normal and the car isn’t breaking up. I’m going to be pulling it all out in a couple months to build the bottom end, But is this something I should just break down and repair now, or can it wait another 2 or 3 months till the season is over? Thanks in advance guys.

 

If its just the gasket then its not really that big of a deal. When I was N/A my gasket leaked. I didn't really worry about it that much since I was going F/I and was also building the motor. My engine builder said my engine was fine internally other then just the oil from the leaking gasket. I had 105k miles on the engine before the build.

 

i noticed the leak when i bought the car with 54k miles.. i didnt think nothing of it, the car responded normally and drove just fine. 65k miles now.. still no problem... but i have notice that it does burn oil.

 

yes, its all been seen before. Just replace the valve cover (as the spark plug gasket is not individually replaceable), or use some RTV and let it be.

Eventually it will leak enough to start to fill up the spark plug tube. I know I wouldnt want that to happen.

 

Yours is the very 1st post I read on that issue. Let's just hope it's not a common denominator in our beaZts!

 

I couldn't find much either on it, some posts here and there, but nothing major.

I wouldn't want engine failure because of a problem such as this. If its just a gasket leaking, and could improve the longevity of the motor its a no brainer. Either way it will be built this winter, but for me and others who start on stock block, it would be nice to know more about what could be potential problems.

 

One other consideration is the seal for the top of the spark plug tube is damaged and leaking. I had a similar problem and had to replace the valve cover. Not a big deal. Had nothing to do with the valve cover gasket (which is rubber) and is rather difficult to damage.
If there is oil in the TUBE where the spark plug sits, chances are the valve cover is not sitting properly on the top of that tube. Just verify that this is the case and if so, go ahead and source a replacement valve cover. Good Luck Phil.

Oh yeah, and it should definitely last just fine until you are ready for the build. So no rush. Just keep a close on eye on your oil levels.

 

I have the same issue. I changed my plugs earlier this year and noticed the oil on the plug in the same #5 cylinder. I've also come to the conclusion that it is the valve cover gasket.

I'm at 104k miles now and I still only burn about .5qt of oil every 3,000 miles. So I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

Thanks for comments guys. If it is just the valve cover, then that a bonus for me. If its the actual gasket, i'll just deal with that when I pull the motor apart.

Randy, did you get your car all finished up? How'd it all turn out.

 

there is no separate gasket. its all 1 piece. if its leaking, like I said. Only 2 options. replace entire cover, of bandaid with RTV

 

Problem is that as the leak is allowed to persist, you can end up with misfires in that cylinder, which can cause issues of it's own

If there is oil in 1 spark plug area, it is not the valvecover gasket, it is the rubber grommet that comes pre-attached to the valvecover itself. The fix is you need to replace the whole cover as Randy, etc mentioned. The valvecover gasket itself just goes around the outer perimeter of the valvecover. It is not expensive to buy new.

A valvecover gasket leak manifests itself with oil drips down the head, and usually you will see a small puddle under the car if its left for several days in the same spot, and you may smell oil burning as it drips on the manifold. Driver side is easy to replace, passenger side is considerably more time consuming.

 

Of course it has to be on the 5th cylinder on the passenger side. Do you guys replace the valve cover gaskets with the OEM ones or are there any in particular anyone is using.

 

ok, i dont think the previous posts have been clear

Valve cover gasket leak is oil drips down the head -not what you have-

needing brand new Valve covers - oil in the spark plug tube -what you have-

New valve covers are about ~$200 each from Courtesy Nissan.
http://www.courtesyparts.com/kb_sear...14_715_716_720

 

Missed my appointment with Ray for tuning and now I have to wait until he opens the new shop...Hopefully soon. Apparently he is moving the whole PFS operation. He needs to get his documents and permits in order for tbne dyno and such. So I just have to be a little more patient.
Now looking into cosmetic upgrades while I wait.

 

ya i noticed the same thing at 35k, now im at 85k and still havent replaced the vc, im bone stock by the way, it does burn alot of oil though.

 

Thanks for clearing that up, heard it mentioned a couple of different ways and was beginning to get confused. Thanks for the link BTW.

 

Yea he told me about that, sounds like an awesome move for PFS. They'll be handling some general mechanic work also, and still servicing the tuner market as well.